Interactive headboard

ABSTRACT

An interactive headboard system includes an interactive headboard configured to be attached to a bedframe. The interactive headboard comprises a video screen, and optionally one or more additional sensory output devices such as for example, one or more speakers, fans, scent ports, and/or motion actuators. The system may aid in the immersion of a viewer within the images presented on the video screen, helping them to relax. The system may also comprise a bed frame and/or an interactive footboard.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/392,380 filed Jul. 26, 2022 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/403,997 filed Sep. 6, 2022, the entireties of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the field of headboards for beds, and more particularly to interactive headboard systems with one or more video screens and/or other sensory output features.

BACKGROUND

People often require aids in helping them to fall asleep or to relax. Some people find nature to be relaxing, and often enjoy nature sights or sounds before falling asleep. However, these sights and sounds may not be immersive, thus not as effective in inducing relaxation and sleep as they otherwise could be.

Also, traditional headboards for beds are often plain and boring, with a single, fixed appearance, and fail to take advantage of what is often a large unused space that might otherwise be available for providing a more interesting and interactive bedroom décor.

Accordingly, it can be seen that needs exist for improvements to traditional bed headboards. It is to the provision of an interactive headboard system meeting these and other needs that the present invention is primarily directed.

SUMMARY

In example embodiments, the present invention provides an interactive headboard system capable of providing an immersive experience for a user and providing a more interesting and interactive bedroom décor.

In one aspect, the present invention relates to an interactive headboard system comprising an interactive headboard incorporating one or more video display screens. Optionally, the system may further include one or more additional sensory output features incorporated in or around a headboard and/or footboard of a bed, for example, audio speaker(s), fan(s) for air movement and circulation, scent ports for olfactory stimulation, and/or an interactive bedframe having motion actuators. In particular embodiments, the system may further comprise a mattress. In some examples, the system may further comprise at least one mister rod.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to an interactive headboard for a bed, the interactive headboard comprising at least one video display output device mounted to a headboard and at least one user-interactive electronic processing means for allowing a user to select and display a visual scene on the at least one video display output device. In some embodiments, the headboard further comprises one or more additional sensory output devices that can be speakers, fans, olfactory output devices, motion actuators, lights, and misters. In certain examples, the headboard is connected to a bedframe extending perpendicularly away from the headboard. In particular examples, the bedframe is further connected to a footboard at an end opposite that of the headboard. In some embodiments, a mattress may be set atop the bedframe. In other examples, the mattress may be set atop a box spring on top of the bedframe. In some embodiments, the output of the video screen is determined by an input to the electronic processing means.

In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to an interactive headboard system for a bed comprising a headboard, a bedframe attached to the headboard and extending perpendicularly away from the headboard, and a mattress that lies on top of the bedframe or on an optional box spring atop the bedframe. One or more sensory output features are attached to the headboard and/or bedframe. The system also has user interface controls. Optionally, a footboard may be attached to the bedframe opposite the headboard. In some embodiments, one of the sensory output features is a video screen mounted to the headboard, bedframe, and/or the footboard. In example embodiments, the outputs of the sensory output features combine to present an immersive experience of the images presented on the video screen. In certain embodiments, one or more of the sensory output features are in electronic communication with each other and/or the user interface controls. In particular embodiments, the output of one or more sensory output features is related to at least one input from the user interface controls. In some embodiments, the output of one or more sensory output features is related to the output from one or more other sensory output features. In certain embodiments, the system further comprises one or more onboard digital signal processors in electronic communication with one or more sensory output features and/or the user input controls. In some embodiments, the interactive headboard system further comprises an onboard electronic memory in electronic communication with one or more of the sensory output features and/or the user input controls. In particular embodiments, an output of one or more sensory output features is determined by the electronic memory. In some embodiments, the sensory output features may be speakers, fans, olfactory output devices, motion actuators, lights, and/or misters.

In a further aspect of the invention, the invention relates to a method of using an interactive headboard system, the method comprising the steps of: providing a headboard; providing a bedframe attached to the headboard and extending generally perpendicularly away from the headboard; providing a mattress that lies on the bedframe and/or on an optional box spring set atop the bedframe; providing one or more sensory output features mounted to the headboard and/or bedframe; providing one or more user interface controls; providing an input to one or more of the user interface controls; and changing the output of the one or more sensory output features.

These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be understood with reference to the drawing figures and detailed description herein, and will be realized by means of the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following brief description of the drawings and detailed description of example embodiments are explanatory of example embodiments of the invention, and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bed having an interactive headboard system according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a bed having an interactive headboard and footboard system according to another example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a bed having an interactive headboard system according to another example embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of example embodiments taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions, or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patents and other publications identified in this specification are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.

Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

With reference now to the drawing figures, FIG. 1 shows an example embodiment of an interactive headboard system 10 for a bed B. The interactive headboard system 10 comprises an interactive headboard 20, configured for attachment or mounting in connection with or adjacent the bed B. For example, in some embodiments, the headboard 20 can be attached directly or indirectly to the frame of the bed B. In other embodiments, the headboard 20 can be mounted to a wall adjacent or near where the bed B will be positioned. In some embodiments, the headboard 20 comprises a generally rectangular base panel 22 having a length, a width, and a thickness generally corresponding to the size of the bed B with which it is intended for use. In alternate embodiments, the headboard may have different shapes, sizes or configurations. The base panel 22 may be constructed of wood, metal, plastic, ceramic, and/or other material(s) of construction, and/or combinations thereof. In some particular example embodiments, the base panel 22 may comprise a hardwood material, or an interior core of plywood or particle board, with a decorative natural or synthetic wood veneer, paint, laminate, or other exterior cladding or coating applied thereon.

In example embodiments, the bed B comprises a bed frame F attached or located in proximity to the headboard 20 and extending generally perpendicularly away from the headboard, as well as a mattress M, and optionally a box-spring support (unshown) that lies substantially on top of the bed frame F.

The interactive headboard system 10 further comprises one or more sensory output feature(s) in the form of at least one video display screen 30 mounted to or incorporated into the headboard 20. In example embodiments, the video screen(s) 30 may comprise a light emitting diode (LED), liquid crystal display (LCD), plasma screen, or other form of electronic display screen. In some example embodiments, the video screen(s) 30 may comprise high definition (HD), ultra-high definition (UHD), 4K, 8K, or other screen resolution formats, for example 1080p (1920×1080 pixels), 3840×2160 pixels, 4096×2160 pixels, 7680×4320 pixels, and/or other screen display formats. In example embodiments, the video display screen(s) 30 span(s) substantially all or at least a majority of the width and exposed height of the headboard. For example, for a twin bed sized headboard, a video display screen with a width of at least about 30″-40″ may be provided; for a full bed sized headboard, a video display screen with a width of at least about 45″-55″ may be provided; for a queen-sized headboard, a video display screen with of at least about 55″-60″ may be provided; for a California king sized headboard, a video display screen with a width of at least about 66″-72″ may be provided; and/or for a king-sized headboard, a video display screen with a width of at least about 70″-76″ may be provided.

The interactive headboard system 10 may further comprise onboard electronic/computer memory, a computer or other electronic digital processor, and/or user interface controls, for example in the form of a touchscreen, keyboard, USB or other communication ports, and/or other user input device(s). Alternatively, one or more external devices may be connected in electronic communication with the one or more video display screen(s) 30 to store and deliver video and other content for display and output during use. For example, in the depicted embodiment of FIG. 1 , a laptop, desktop, tablet, or other form of computer 40 having electronic memory and user inputs may be connected by hardwire communication with the video display screen 30, for example by USB or other cable connection; and/or a mobile phone or other handheld electronic device 42 having electronic memory and user inputs may be wirelessly connected, for example by Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or other wireless digital communication protocols. Alternatively or additionally, one or more external data sources of video, audio, and or other sensory output forms may be provided integrally with the system 10 or configured for connection therewith, such as for example a DVD player, external hard drive, USB drive, flash memory card, etc. The output for each sensory output component may be stored internally within the system, for example on a hard drive on or in the interactive headboard system, or it may be stored on a disk, jump drive, external hard drive, or another data storage device connected to the system. Alternatively, the outputs may also be stored externally, on a server, computer, mobile device, or any other device in electronic communication with the interactive bed frame system.

The system 10 optionally further comprises one or more additional sensory output features, such as for example one or more audio speakers 60 mounted to the headboard on either side of the video screen 30 or elsewhere on the headboard 20. In example embodiments, the sound output from the speakers 60 is coordinated with the video output of the screen 30, for example, the sound of ocean waves coordinated with video of a beach scene with the ocean, wildlife and/or rain sounds coordinated with video of a tropical rainforest, wind or nature sounds coordinated with video of a mountain or other nature environment, etc. The sound and/or other additional sensory output features may be stored in onboard or external memory and delivered via wired or wireless electronic communication in similar fashion to the video output features as described above.

The system 10 optionally further comprises one or more additional sensory output features, such as for example, one or more air movement blowers or fans 70 mounted beneath the speakers or elsewhere on the headboard 20. The operation (on/off), speed and/or direction of the fans 70 may be coordinated with the video and/or audio outputs as described above, for example to simulate an ocean breeze coordinated with a beach scene, and/or to simulate a sense of movement such as in connection with skiing down a mountain scene, etc.

The system 10 optionally further comprises one or more additional sensory output features, such as for example, one or more olfactory or scent ports 80 similarly mounted beneath the fans or elsewhere on the headboard 20. The scent ports 80 may be coupled with the fans 70 or may comprise separate dispersal mechanisms such as blowers, misters, aerosolizers, etc. One or more onboard or external containers may be provided to contain and deliver scented contents. The delivery (on/off, output rate, etc.) of scent may be coordinated with the video, audio and/or air movement outputs as described above, for example to deliver an ocean mist scent in connection with a beach scene, forest scents in connection with a forest scene, flower scents in connection with a mountain wildflower scene, etc.

The system 10 optionally further comprises one or more additional sensory output features, such as for example, one or more motion actuators such as electromagnetic, hydraulic, pneumatic or other forms of motion actuators 90 attached to the bed frame F. The operation (on/off, amplitude, speed) of the motion actuators 90 may be coordinated with the video, audio, air movement and/or olfactory outputs as described above, for example to provide a gentle rocking motion of the bed B in coordination with the waves of an ocean scene or the swaying of trees in a forest scene, and/or to simulate movement associated with an activity such as skiing in a mountain scene.

When the interactive headboard system is activated, the components may combine to present an immersive experience of the images presented on the video screen. For example, the screen on the interactive video headboard may display a video or rendering of, for example, a particularly enjoyable destination in nature. The fans may activate intermittently or vary in speed to simulate a breeze appearing on the video screen. The scent ports may dispense scents associated with the image on the video screen. The fans may additionally or alternatively be timed to interact with the emanations of the scent ports to aid in the spreading of the scent. The sounds from the speakers may also correspond to the images on the video screen. The combination of sight, smell, and sound may aid the user in immersing themselves into the image presented on the video screen, potentially helping them to relax. Additionally, the interactive bed frame may provide small movements to the interactive bed frame system corresponding to movement on the screen. These movements may resemble the rocking of a boat on water, side to side swaying of a hammock, or other motions that a user may find desirable or relaxing.

The interactive headboard system 10 may be controlled by touch, remote, connected device, built in buttons, or any suitable control means using a wired connection, a wireless connection, or both. The wired connection may be made via a USB, ethernet, HDMI, or any other suitable wired connection. The wireless connection may be made via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or any other suitable wireless data communication connection. The system may also be controlled by a combination of control means. For example, in FIG. 1 , the system may be controlled by the mobile device 42 wirelessly connected to the system and/or by the computer 40 using a wired connection.

In some embodiments and example methods or modes of use, the user may control or send an input to the interactive headboard system 10 that changes the output of the system on a user-interactive basis. For example, if the user is viewing a forest on the video screen 30, they may send an input that advances or otherwise changes the perceived position of the viewer within the forest or other scene being displayed on the screen. This perceived advance may also change the outputs of the other sensory output components. For instance, if the new perceived location on the screen 30 is perceived to be a more open location than the previous one, the fans 70 may speed up to simulate a stronger wind in that perceived location.

In further example embodiments, the video screen 30 on the interactive headboard system may optionally be used to present a virtual reality experience to the user. The virtual reality scenarios presented by the video screen may be nature scenes or any other type of scene capable of being displayed in virtual reality. The video screen 30 may also be used to view movies, television, pictures, video games, or another type of image to the user.

The video screen 30 may be a standard display screen, or it may be a touch screen. In alternate embodiments, the video screen may also be a projector screen with an image projected on to it by a projector. The images or videos displayed by the video screen may be in two dimensions or three dimensions (with or without 3D-enabling glasses). In some embodiments, the interactive headboard may comprise multiple screens 30, arranged either separately or in a combined or linked array.

FIG. 2 shows another example embodiment of an interactive headboard system 110. The embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 with an additional video screen 130 mounted to a footboard 115 of the bed B, in addition to (or instead of) the headboard system 120 as described above. The video screen 130 in the footboard 115 may be the same type of video screen as shown in the headboard embodiment of FIG. 1 , or it may be of a different type. The foot board 115 may also have more than one screen. In some embodiments, the footboard may have one or more of the same or different additional sensory output components as the embodiment in FIG. 1 , such as speakers 160 and/or other output features. The outputs of the headboard system 120 and the footboard system 130 may be identical, different but coordinated, or entirely independent of one another.

The system may also include other components to aid in making a user feel immersed in the images. For example, lighting equipment capable of producing multiple colors of light may be used to add ambient light that changes with the images. A mattress M capable of being heated or cooled may be provided that heats up or cools down depending on the image shown. Additionally, the mattress M may itself blow heated or cooled air onto a user, or include air chambers configured for controlled inflation and deflation to impart movement or different firmness levels at one or more locations on the mattress M.

FIG. 3 shows another example embodiment of an interactive headboard system 210. Headboard system 210 is substantially similar to the headboard system 10 of FIG. 1 , with differences as noted. The headboard system 210 comprises one or more misting rods 250 and at least one reservoir 257. The misting rods 250 may comprise a mister head 255, rods 253, and hinge 251. The mister heads 255 may be adjustably connected to a first end of rods 253 which may connect at a second end to a hinge 251 attached to the base panel 222 of headboard 220. The hinge 251 may allow the rods 253 to pivot about the hinge 251 so that the location of the mister head 255 may be adjusted. The hinge 251 may be a single-axis or multi-axis hinge. In some embodiments, the rods 253 may be telescopic so as to allow adjustment of the length of rods 253 and the distance between the mister head 255 and the hinge 251. In example embodiments, the rods 253 may have further joints or hinges between mister head 255 and hinge 251 so as to allow for more precise positioning of the mister head 255. In further example embodiments, the mister rods extend and retract from compartments formed in the headboard, for example one or more mister rods positioned on each side of the headboard, which can be pulled up or raised as desired to deliver a misting effect. In some embodiments, the misting rods 250 may alternatively or additionally comprise rods that may be capable of supplying mist, such that there is no mister head 255 component within misting rods 250.

The reservoir 257 may be located within the base panel 222 and may be fluidly connected to the misting rods 250. The reservoir may hold fluids, such as water, to be released from misting rods 250. Optionally, one or more scented fluids or concentrates are included in the fluid within the reservoir. In some embodiments, the system 210 may include an input for a waterline or other water source instead of, or in addition to, the reservoir 257 that may be fluidly connected to the misting rods 250 or other components. In further example embodiments, one or more pumps or other fluid delivery or pressurization devices are provided to deliver fluid from the reservoir to the misters. In further example embodiments, a plurality of reservoirs are provided, each configured for delivery of a different type of fluid (i.e., different scents and/or fluid types), and one or more valves or pumps provided to allow for selective delivery from one or more of the plurality of reservoirs.

As in the previous embodiments, the mister rods 250 may be used to present an immersive experience for the user. They may operate in conjunction with the other sensory output components, or they may operate independently. There may also be any number of misting rods and/or reservoirs. The equipment may be attached or mounted to the interactive headboard system in different positions from those shown in the previous embodiments. For example, one or more of the video screen(s), speaker(s), fan(s), and/or other sensory output devices could be additionally or alternatively mounted on the headboard 20 as in FIG. 1 , on the footboard 115 as in FIG. 2 , on elevated posts at the corners of the bed, and/or on a canopy over the bed. In particular embodiments the interactive headboard system may comprise components not directly attached to the interactive headboard, interactive bed frame, or the interactive footboard. For example, the interactive headboard system may further comprise one or more video screen(s), speaker(s), fan(s) and/or other sensory output components mounted on a wall or ceiling area surrounding the bed B, so as to make viewing easier or more interactive for the user. The interactive system 10 may also provide other accessories that are not directly linked with the immersion of the user such as power outlets, USB charging ports, reading lamps, and/or other accessories.

In some embodiments, the different components of the interactive headboard system may be used individually or in combination with some or all of the other components. For example, the video screen may be used by itself, or with the speakers. In other examples, the fans can be set so that they are constantly blowing without regard for the images and videos being displayed. Moreover, the system does not require all the components disclosed in the example embodiments described. For example, a user may choose to forgo the interactive bed frame with motion actuators, and instead have a standard bed frame used in combination with the other features disclosed.

While the invention has been described with reference to example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic sensory output system for a bed, the system comprising at least one video display output device associated with a portion of the bed.
 2. The electronic sensory output system of claim 1, wherein the portion of the bed is selected from a headboard and/or a footboard.
 3. The electronic sensory output system of claim 1, further comprising an interactive user interface.
 4. The electronic sensory output system of claim 1, further comprising means for storing and delivering video output data to the at least one video display output device.
 5. The electronic sensory output system of claim 1, further comprising additional sensory output features selected from one or more speakers, one or more fans, one or more olfactory output devices, and/or one or more motion actuators, and combinations thereof.
 6. A bed comprising the electronic sensory output system of claim 1 in combination with a mattress.
 7. The electronic sensory output system of claim 1, further comprising at least one mister rod.
 8. An interactive headboard for a bed, the interactive headboard comprising at least one video display output device mounted to a headboard and at least one user-interactive electronic processing means for allowing a user to select and display a visual scene on the at least one video display output device.
 9. The interactive headboard of claim 8, further comprising one or more additional sensory output devices.
 10. The interactive headboard of claim 9, wherein at least one of the additional sensory output devices is selected from a speaker, a fan, and olfactory output device, a motion actuator, a light, a mister, and combinations thereof.
 11. The interactive headboard of claim 8, wherein the headboard is connected to a bedframe extending perpendicularly away from the headboard.
 12. The interactive headboard of claim 11, wherein the bedframe is further connected to a footboard at an end of the bedframe opposite that of the headboard.
 13. The interactive headboard of claim 11, further comprising a mattress set atop the bedframe.
 14. The interactive headboard of claim 11, further comprising a box spring set atop the bedframe and a mattress set atop the box spring.
 15. The interactive headboard of claim 8, wherein the output of the video screen is determined by an input to the electronic processing means.
 16. An interactive headboard system for a bed, the interactive headboard system comprising: a headboard; a bedframe attached to the headboard and extending generally perpendicularly away from the headboard; a mattress that lies on the bedframe or on an optional box spring set atop the bed frame; one or more sensory output features attached to the headboard and/or bedframe; and one or more user interface controls.
 17. The interactive headboard system of claim 16, further comprising an optional footboard attached to the bedframe at an end of the bedframe opposite that of the headboard.
 18. The interactive headboard system of claim 17, wherein one of the one or more sensory output features is a video display screen mounted to the headboard, the bedframe, and/or an optional footboard.
 19. The interactive headboard system of claim 18, wherein the outputs of a plurality of the sensory output features combine to present an immersive experience of the images presented on the video screen.
 20. The interactive headboard system of claim 16, wherein one or more of the sensory output features are in electronic communication with each other and/or the user interface controls.
 21. The interactive headboard system of claim 20, wherein an output of one or more sensory output features is related to at least one input from the user interface controls.
 22. The interactive headboard system of claim 20, wherein an output of one or more sensory output features is related to at least one output from one or more other sensory output features.
 23. The interactive headboard system of claim 20, further comprising one or more onboard digital signal processors in electronic communication with one or more of the sensory output features and/or the user input controls.
 24. The interactive headboard system of claim 20, further comprising onboard electronic memory in electronic communication with one or more of the one or more sensory output features and/or the user input controls.
 25. The interactive headboard system of claim 24, wherein an output of one or more of the sensory output features is determined by the electronic memory.
 26. The interactive headboard system of claim 16, wherein the one or more sensory output features are selected from a speaker, a fan, an olfactory output device, a motion actuator, a light, a mister, and combinations thereof.
 27. A method of using an interactive headboard system, the method comprising the steps of: providing a headboard; providing a bedframe attached to the headboard and extending generally perpendicularly away from the headboard; providing a mattress that lies on the bedframe and/or on an optional box spring set atop the bedframe; providing one or more sensory output features mounted to the headboard and/or bedframe; providing one or more user interface controls; providing an input to one or more of the user interface controls; and changing the output of one or more of the sensory output features. 